Cdr-grafted anti-tissue factor antibodies and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides CDR-grafted antibodies against human tissue factor that retain the high binding affinity of rodent monoclonal antibodies against tissue factor but have reduced immunogenicity. The present humanized antibodies are potent anticoagulants and are thus useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of human thrombotic disease. The invention also provides methods of making the CDR-grafted antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions for the attenuation or prevention of coagulation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Monoclonal antibodies capable of inhibiting tissue factor (TF) are useful as anticoagulants. Conventional rodent monoclonal antibodies, however, have limited use in human therapeutic and diagnostic applications due to immunogenicity and short serum half-life. The present invention provides CDR-grafted monoclonal antibodies against TF that retain the high binding affinity of rodent antibodies but have reduced immunogenicity. The present humanized antibodies are potent anticoagulants and are thus useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of human thrombotic disease. The invention also provides methods of making the CDR-grafted antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions for the attenuation or prevention of coagulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The coagulation of blood involves a cascading series of reactions leading to the formation of fibrin. The coagulation cascade consists of two overlapping pathways, both of which are required for hemostasis. The intrinsic pathway comprises protein factors present in circulating blood, while the extrinsic pathway requires tissue factor, which is expressed on the cell surface of a variety of tissues in response to vascular injury. Davie et al., 1991, Biochemistry 30:10363. Agents that interfere with the coagulation cascade, such as heparin and coumarin derivatives, have well-known therapeutic uses in the prophylaxis of venous thrombosis. Goodman and Gilman, eds., 1980, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York.

Tissue factor (TF) has been investigated as a target for anticoagulant therapy. TF is a membrane glycoprotein that functions as a receptor for factor VII and VIIa and thereby initiates the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade in response to vascular injury. In addition to its role in the maintenance of hemostasis by initiation of blood clotting, TF has been implicated in pathogenic conditions. Specifically, the synthesis and cell surface expression of TF has been implicated in vascular disease (Wilcox et al., 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:2839) and gram-negative septic shock (Warr et al., 1990, Blood 75:1481).

Ruf et al. (1991, Thrombosis and Haemostasis 66:529) characterized the anticoagulant potential of murine monoclonal antibodies against human TF. The inhibition of TF function by most of the monoclonal antibodies that were assessed was dependent upon the dissociation of the TF/VIIa complex that is rapidly formed when TF contacts plasma. Such antibodies were thus relatively slow inhibitors of TF in plasma. One monoclonal antibody, TF8-5G9, was capable of inhibiting the TF/VIIa complex without dissociation of the complex, thus providing an immediate anticoagulant effect in plasma. Ruf et al. suggest that mechanisms that inactivate the TF/VIIa complex, rather than prevent its formation, may provide strategies for interruption of coagulation in vivo.

The therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies against TF is limited in that currently available monoclonals are of rodent origin. The use of rodent antibodies in human therapy presents numerous problems, the most significant of which is immunogenicity. Repeated doses of rodent monoclonal antibodies have been found to elicit an anti-immunoglobulin response termed human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA), which can result in immune complex disease and/or neutralization of the therapeutic antibody. See, e.g., Jaffers et al. (1986) Transplantation 41:572. While the use of human monoclonal antibodies would address this limitation, it has proven difficult to generate large amounts of human monoclonal antibodies by conventional hybridoma technology.

Recombinant technology has been used in an effort to construct “humanized” antibodies that maintain the high binding affinity of rodent monoclonal antibodies but exhibit reduced immunogenicity in humans. Chimeric antibodies have been produced in which the variable (V) region of a mouse antibody is combined with the constant (C) region of a human antibody in an effort to maintain the specificity and affinity of the rodent antibody but reduce the amount of protein that is non-human and thus immunogenic. While the immune response to chimeric antibodies is generally reduced relative to the corresponding rodent antibody, the immune response cannot be completely eliminated, because the mouse V region is capable of eliciting an immune response. Lobuglio et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:4220; Jaffers et al. (1986) Transplantation 41:572.

In a recent approach to reducing immunogenicity of rodent antibodies, only the rodent complementarity determining regions (CDRs), rather than the entire V domain, are transplanted to a human antibody. Such humanized antibodies are known as CDR-grafted antibodies. CDRs are regions of hypervariability in the V regions that are flanked by relatively conserved regions known as framework (FR) regions. Each V domain contains three CDRs flanked by four FRs. The CDRs fold to form the antigen binding site of the antibody, while the FRs support the structural conformations of the V domains. Thus by transplanting the rodent CDRs to a human antibody, the antigen binding domain can theoretically also be transferred. Owens et al. (1994) J. Immunol. Methods 168:149 and Winter et al. (1993) Immunology Today 14:243 review the development of CDR-grafted antibodies.

Orlandi et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:3833 constructed a humanized antibody against the relatively simple hapten nitrophenacetyl (NP). The CDR-grafted antibody contained mouse CDRs and human FRs, and exhibited NP binding activity similar to the native mouse antibody. However, the construction of CDR-grafted antibodies recognizing more complex antigens has resulted in antibodies having binding activity significantly lower than the native rodent antibodies. In numerous cases it has been demonstrated that the mere introduction of rodent CDRs into a human antibody background is insufficient to maintain full binding activity, perhaps due to distortion of the CDR conformation by the human FR.

For example, Gorman et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88:4181 compared two humanized antibodies against human CD4 and observed considerably different avidies depending upon the particular human framework region of the humanized antibody. Co et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:2869 required a refined computer model of the murine antibody of interest in order to identify critical amino acids to be considered in the design of a humanized antibody. Kettleborough et al. (1991) Protein Engineering 4:773 report the influence of particular FR residues of a CDR-grafted antibody on antigen binding, and propose that the residues may directly interact with antigen, or may alter the conformation of the CDR loops. Similarly, Singer et al. (1993) J. Immunol. 150:2844 report that optimal humanization of an anti-CD18 murine monoclonal antibody is dependent upon the ability of the selected FR to support the CDR in the appropriate antigen binding conformation. Accordingly, recreation of the antigen-binding site requires consideration of the potential intrachain interactions between the FR and CDR, and manipulation of amino acid residues of the FR that maintain contacts with the loops formed by the CDRs. While general theoretical guidelines have been proposed for the design of humanized antibodies (see, e.g., Owens et al.), in all cases the procedure must be tailored and optimized for the particular rodent antibody of interest.

There is a need in the art for humanized antibodies with reduced immunogenicity and comparable binding affinity relative to the parent rodent antibody for various therapeutic applications. In particular, there is a need for a humanized antibody against human tissue factor having anticoagulant activity and useful in the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to CDR-grafted antibodies capable of inhibiting human tissue factor wherein the CDRs are derived from a non-human monoclonal antibody against tissue factor and the FR and constant (C) regions are derived from one or more human antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, the murine monoclonal antibody is TF8-5G9.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor which method comprises constructing one or more expression vectors containing nucleic acids encoding CDR-grafted antibody heavy and light chains, transfecting suitable host cells with the expression vector or vectors, culturing the transfected host cells, and recovering the CDR-grafted antibody.

The present invention also provides a method of attenuation of coagulation comprising administering a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor to a patient in need of such attenuation.

The present invention further provides a method of treatment or prevention of thrombotic disease comprising administering a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor to a patient in need of such treatment or prevention. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombotic disease is intravascular coagulation, arterial restenosis or arteriosclerosis.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising CDR-grafted antibodies capable of inhibiting human tissue factor and further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the heavy chain of murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9.

FIG. 2 provides the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the light chain of murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting the ability of CDR-grafted antibody TF8HCDR1×TF8LCDR1 to bind to human tissue factor and to compete with murine monoclonal antibody TF85G9 for binding to tissue factor. Solid symbols indicate direct binding of TF8HCDR1×TF8LCDR1 and the positive control chimeric TF85G9 to tissue factor. Open symbols indicate competition binding of TF8HCDR1×TF8LCDR1 or chimeric TF85G9 with murine monoclonal antibody TF85G9.

FIG. 4 presents the DNA sequence of expression vector pEe6TF8HCDR20 and the amino acid sequence of the coding regions of the CDR-grafted heavy chain TF8HCDR20.

FIG. 5 presents the DNA sequence of expression vector pEe12TF8LCDR3 and the amino acid sequence of the coding regions of the CDR-grafted light chain TF8LCDR3.

FIG. 6 is a graph depicting the ability of CDR-grafted antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 to bind to human tissue factor.

FIG. 7 is a graph depicting the ability of CDR-grafted antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 to compete with murine monoclonal antibody TF85G9 for binding to tissue factor.

FIG. 8 is a graph depicting the ability of CDR-grafted antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 to inhibit factor X activation.

FIG. 9 provides expression vector pEe6TF8HCDR20 resulting from the subcloning of CDR-grafted heavy chain TF8HCDR20 into myeloma expression vector pEehCMV-BglI. The following abbreviations are used: VH is the CDR-grafted heavy chain variable region; Cγ4 is the human IgG4 constant region; pA is the polyadenylation signal; ampR is the β-lactamase gene; and hCMV is human cytomegalovirus.

FIG. 10 provides expression vector pEe12TF8LCDR3 resulting from the subcloning of CDR-grafted light chain TF8LCDR3 into myeloma expression vector pEe12. The following abbreviations are used: VL is the CDR-grafted light chain variable region; CK is the human kappa constant region; SVE is the SV40 early promoter; GS is glutamine synthetase cDNA. Other abbreviations are as noted in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides CDR-grafted antibodies capable of inhibiting human tissue factor wherein the CDRs are derived from a non-human monoclonal antibody against tissue factor and the FR and C regions are derived from one or more human antibodies. The present invention further provides methods of making and using the subject CDR-grafted antibodies.

In accordance with the present invention, the CDR-grafted antibody is an antibody in which the CDRs are derived from a non-human antibody capable of binding to and inhibiting the function of human tissue factor, and the FR and C regions of the antibody are derived from one or more human antibodies. The CDRs derived from the non-human antibody preferably have from about 90% to about 100% identity with the CDRs of the non-human antibody, although any and all modifications, including substitutions, insertions and deletions, are contemplated so long as the CDR-grafted antibody maintains the ability to bind to and inhibit tissue factor. The regions of the CDR-grafted antibodies that are derived from human antibodies need not have 100% identity with the human antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, as many of the human amino acid residues as possible are retained in order than immunogenicity is negligible, but the human residues, in particular residues of the FR region, are substituted as required and as taught hereinbelow in accordance with the present invention. Such modifications as disclosed herein are necessary to support the antigen binding site formed by the CDRs while simultaneously maximizing the humanization of the antibody.

Non-human monoclonal antibodies against human tissue factor from which the CDRs can be derived are known in the art (Ruf et al., 1991; Morrisey et al., 1988, Thrombosis Research 52:247) or can be produced by well-known methods of monoclonal antibody production (see, e.g. Harlow et al., eds., 1988, Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). Purified human tissue factor against which monoclonal antibodies can be raised is similarly well-known (Morrisey et al., 1987, Cell 50:129) and available to the skilled artisan. Murine monoclonal antibodies, and in particular murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 disclosed by Ruf et al. and Morrisey et al., 1988, Thrombosis Research 52:247, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,427 are particularly preferred.

The ordinarily skilled artisan can determine the sequences of the CDRs by reference to published scientific literature or sequence databanks, or by cloning and sequencing the heavy and light chains of the antibodies by conventional methodology. In accordance with the present invention, the cDNA and amino acid sequences of the heavy chain (SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2, respectively) and light chain (SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4, respectively) of murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 are provided. The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the murine TF8-5G9 heavy chain is provided at FIG. 1. The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the murine TF8-5G9 light chain is provided at FIG. 2.

Each of the heavy and light chain variable regions contain three CDRs that combine to form the antigen binding site. The three CDRs are surrounded by four FR regions that primarily function to support the CDRs. The sequences of the CDRs within the sequences of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains can be identified by computer-assisted alignment according to Kabat et al. (1987) in Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 4th ed., United States Department of Health and Human Services, US Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., or by molecular modeling of the variable regions, for example utilizing the ENCAD program as described by Levitt (1983) J. Mol. Biol. 168:595.

In a preferred embodiment the CDRs are derived from murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9. The preferred heavy chain CDRs have the following sequences:

CDR1 DDYMH (SEQ ID NO: 5) CDR2 LIDPENGNTIYDPKFQG  (SEQ ID NO: 6) CDR3 DNSYYFDY (SEQ ID NO: 7) The preferred light chain CDRs have the following sequences:

CDR1 KASQDIRKYLN (SEQ ID NO: 8) CDR2 YATSLAD (SEQ ID NO: 9) CDR3 LQHGESPYT (SEQ ID NO: 10) The sequences of the CDRs of the murine or other non-human antibody, and in particular the sequences of the CDRs of TF8-5G9, may be modified by insertions, substitutions and deletions to the extent that the CDR-grafted antibody maintains the ability to bind to and inhibit human tissue factor. The ordinarily skilled artisan can ascertain the maintenance of this activity by performing the functional assays described hereinbelow. The CDRs can have, for example, from about 50% to about 100% homology to the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS:5-10. In a preferred embodiment the CDRs have from about 80% to about 100% homology to the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS:5-10. In a more preferred embodiment the CDRs have from about 90% to about 100% homology to the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS:5-10. In a most preferred embodiment the CDRs have from about 100% homology to the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS:5-10.

The FR and C regions of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention are derived from one or more human antibodies. Human antibodies of the same class and type as the antibody from which the CDRs are derived are preferred. The FR of the variable region of the heavy chain is preferably derived from the human antibody KOL (Schmidt et al., 1983, Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 364:713) The FR of the variable region of the light chain is preferably derived from the human antibody REI (Epp et al., 1974, Eur. J. Biochem. 45:513). In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that certain residues of the human FR are preferably replaced by the corresponding residue of the non-human antibody from which the CDRs are derived. For example, certain FR residues of TF8-5G9 are preferably retained to achieve optimal binding to antigen.

For convenience, the numbering scheme of Kabat et al. has been adopted herein. Residues are designated by lower case numbers or hyphens as necessary to conform the present sequences to the standard Kabat numbered sequence.

In accordance with the present invention, residues that are retained in the FR region, i.e residues that are not replaced by human FR residues, are determined according to the following guidelines. Residues that are idiosyncratic to the parent antibody, e.g. TF8-5G9, relative to a human consensus sequence of Kabat et al, are retained. Residues of the parent antibody that are in agreement with the consensus sequence are retained if the corresponding residue of the human antibody, e.g. KOL or REI, is idiosyncratic. Residues that are part of the antibody loop canonical structures defined by Chothia et al. (1989) Nature 342:877, such as residue 71 of the heavy and light chains, are retained. FR residues predicted to form loops, such as residues 28-30 of the heavy chain, are retained. FR residues predicted to influence the conformation of the CDRs such as residues 48 and 49 preceding CDR2 of the heavy chain, are retained. Residues that have been demonstrated to be critical in the humanization of other antibodies may also be retained. The foregoing guidelines are followed to the extent necessary to support the antigen binding site formed by the CDRs while simultaneously maximizing the humanization of the antibody.

The amino acid sequence of a representative CDR-grafted heavy chain variable region derived from murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 and human antibody KOL is shown below. The CDR-grafted heavy chain is designated TF8HCDR1; murine residues were retained in the FR at residues 6, 17, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 48, 49, 68, 71, 73, 78, 88 and 91. CDRs are underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 11)          10         20         30    35ab            50 QVQLVQSGGG VVQPGRLLRL SCKASGFNIK DYYMH--WVR QAPGKGLEWIG 52abc       60         70           80 82abc      90 LIDP--ENGNTIYD PKFQGRFSIS ADTSK--NTAFL QMDSLRPEDTAVY 100        110 YCARDNSYYF DYWGQGTPVT VSS

The amino acid sequence of a representative CDR-grafted light chain variable region derived from murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 and human antibody REI is shown below. The CDR-grafted light chain is designated TF8LCDR1; murine residues were retained in the FR at residues 39, 41, 46 and 105. CDRs are underlined.

(SEQ ID N0: 12)          10         20        30         40        50 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCKASQDIR KYLNWYQQK WKAPKTLIYY         60         70         80         90        100 ATSLADGVPS RFSGSGSGTD YTFTISSLQP EDIATYYCLQ HGESPYTFGQ GTKLEITR

A CDR-grafted antibody containing variable regions TF8HCDR1 and TF8LCDR1 has been demonstrated in accordance with the present invention to be as effective as murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 in binding to human tissue factor. It has been further discovered in accordance with the present invention, by examination of the molecular structure of murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9, and by design, construction, and analysis of CDR-grafted antibodies, that the FR regions can be further humanized without the loss of antigen binding activity. In particular, the FR region may retain the human FR residue at residues 6, 17, 68, 73 and 78 of the heavy chain, and residues 39, 41, 16 and 105 of the light chain, with maintenance of antigen binding activity.

In a most preferred embodiment, the heavy chain variable region contains a FR derived from human antibody KOL in which murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 residues are retained at amino acids 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 48, 49, 71, 88 and 91. The preferred heavy chain variable region is designated TF8HCDR20 and has the following sequence.

(SEQ ID NO: 13)         10         20         30    35ab              50 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL SCKASGFNIK DYYMH--WVR QAPGKGLEWIGL 52abc      60         70         80 82abc      90        100 IDP--ENGNTIYD PKFQGRFTIS ADNSKNTLFL QMDSLRPEDTAVY YCARDNSYYF        110 DYWGQGTPVT VSS

In a most preferred embodiment, the light chain variable region contains a FR derived from human antibody REI in which murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 residues are retained at amino acids 39 and 105. The preferred light chain variable region is designated TF8LCDR20 and has the following sequence.

(SEQ ID NO: 14)         10         20         30         40         50 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCKASQDIR KYLNWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYY         60         70         80         90        100 ATSLADGVPS RFSGSGSGTD YTFTISSLQP EDIATYYCLQ HGESPYTFGQ GTKLEITR

It is within the ken of the ordinarily skilled artisan to make minor modifications of the foregoing sequences, including amino acid substitutions, deletions and insertions. Any such modifications are within the scope of the present invention so long as the resulting CDR-grafted antibody maintains the ability to bind to and inhibit human tissue factor. The ordinarily skilled artisan can assess the activity of the CDR-grafted antibody with reference to the functional assays described hereinbelow.

The human constant region of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention is selected to minimize effector function. The intended use of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention is to block the coagulation cascade by inhibition of tissue factor, and thus antibody effector functions such as fixation of complement are not desirable. Antibodies with minimal effector functions include IgG2, IgG4, IgA, IgD and IgE. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heavy chain constant region is the human IgG4 constant region, and the light chain constant region is the human IgG4 kappa constant region.

In that effector functions may not be desirable for therapeutic uses, the present invention further contemplates active fragments of the CDR-grafted antibodies, and in particular Fab fragments and F(ab′)₂ fragments. Active fragments are those fragments capable of inhibiting human tissue factor. Fab fragments and F(ab′)₂ fragments may be obtained by conventional means, for example by cleavage of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the invention with an appropriate proteolytic enzyme such as papain or pepsin, or by recombinant production. The active fragments maintain the antigen binding sites of the CDR-grafted antibodies and thus are similarly useful therapeutically.

The ability of the CDR-grafted antibodies designed and constructed as taught in accordance with the present invention to bind and inhibit human tissue factor can be assessed by functional assays. For example, in a rapid and convenient assay, expression vectors containing nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted heavy and light chains can be co-transfected into suitable host cells and transiently expressed. The resulting antibodies can be assessed by standard assays for ability to bind human tissue factor, and for ability to compete for binding to tissue factor with the non-human antibody from which the CDRs are derived.

For example, transient expression of nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted heavy and light chains in COS cells provides a rapid and convenient system to test antibody gene expression and function. Nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted heavy and light chains, respectively, are cloned into a mammalian cell expression vector, for example pSG5, described by Green et al. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 16:369 and commercially available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, Calif. The pSG5 expression vector provides unique restriction sites for the insertion of the heavy and light chain genes, and in vivo expression is under the control of the SV40 early promoter. Transcriptional termination is signaled by the SV40 polyadenylation signal sequence.

The pSG5-based expression vectors containing nucleic acids encoding the heavy and light chains are cotransfected into COS cells and cultured under conditions suitable for transient expression. Cell culture media is then harvested and examined for antibody expression, for example by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to determine that suitable levels of antibody have been produced. An ELISA may then be used to assess the ability of the CDR-grafted antibody to bind to human tissue factor. Human tissue factor is immobilized on a microtiter plate and the COS cell supernatant containing the CDR-grafted antibody is added followed by an incubation at room temperature for about one hour. The plates are then washed with a suitable detergent-containing buffer such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS)/Tween, followed by the addition of the components of a suitable detection system. For example, horseradish peroxidase conjugated goat anti-human kappa chain polyclonal antibody is added, followed by washing, followed by addition of substrate for horseradish peroxidase, and detection. The CDR-grafted antibodies within the scope of the present invention are those which are capable of binding to human tissue factor to a degree comparable to the non-human antibody from which the CDRs are derived as determined by the foregoing assay.

The ability of the CDR-grafted antibodies to inhibit the activity of human tissue factor in vivo can be conveniently assessed by the following in vitro assay that mimics in vivo coagulation events. In response to vascular injury in vivo, tissue factor binds to factor VII and facilitates the conversion of factor VII to a serine protease (factor VIIa). The factor VIIa-tissue factor complex converts factor X to a serine protease (factor Xa). Factor Xa forms a complex with factor Va (from the intrinsic coagulation pathway), resulting in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which in turn results in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. In a convenient in vitro functional assay, tissue factor is incubated in the presence of factor VIIa and the CDR-grafted anti-tissue factor antibody produced in the transient expression system described above. Factor X is added and the reaction mixture is incubated, followed by an assay for factor Xa activity utilizing a chromogenic substrate for factor Xa (Spectrozyme FXa, American Diagnostica, Inc., Greenwich, Conn.). The ability of the CDR-grafted antibody to inhibit factor X activation thus provides a measure of the ability of the CDR-grafted antibody to inhibit the activity of human tissue factor.

The CDR-grafted antibodies within the scope of the present invention are those which are capable of inhibiting human tissue factor to a degree comparable to the non-human antibody from which the CDRs are derived as determined by the foregoing assay. In one embodiment, the CDR-grafted antibody has at least 50% of the inhibitory activity of TF8-5G9 for human tissue factor. In a preferred embodiment, the CDR-grafted antibody has at least 70% of the inhibitory activity of TF8-5G9 for human tissue factor. In a more preferred embodiment, the CDR-grafted antibody has at least 80% of the inhibitory activity of TF8-5G9 for human tissue factor. In a most preferred embodiment, the CDR-grafted antibody has at least 90% of the inhibitory activity of TF8-5G9 for human tissue factor.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor. The method comprises constructing an expression vector containing a nucleic acid encoding the CDR-grafted antibody heavy chain and an expression vector containing a nucleic acid encoding the CDR-grafted antibody light chain, transfecting suitable host cells with the expression vectors, culturing the transfected host cells under conditions suitable for the expression of the heavy and light chains, and recovering the CDR-grafted antibody. Alternately, one expression vector containing nucleic acids encoding the heavy and light chains may be utilized.

Standard molecular biological techniques, for example as disclosed by Sambrook et al. (1989), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. may be used to obtain nucleic acids encoding the heavy and light chains of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention. A nucleic acid encoding the CDR-grafted variable domain may be constructed by isolating cDNA encoding the antibody to be humanized, e.g. murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9, by conventional cloning methodology from the hybridoma producing the antibody, or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the variable region genes, as described for example by Winter et al., followed by site-directed mutagenesis to substitute nucleotides encoding the desired human residues into the FR regions. Alternately, the cDNA encoding the human antibody can be isolated, followed by site-directed mutagenesis to substitute nucleotides encoding the desired murine residues into the CDRs.

Nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted variable domain may also be synthesized by assembling synthetic oligonucleotides, for example utilizing DNA polymerase and DNA ligase. The resulting synthetic variable regions may then be amplified by PCR. Nucleic acids encoding CDR-grafted variable domains may also be constructed by PCR strand overlap methods that are known in the art and reviewed by Owens et al.

Accordingly, having determined the desired amino acid sequences of the CDR-grafted variable domains in accordance with the present invention, the ordinarily skilled artisan can obtain nucleic acids encoding the variable domains. Further, the skilled artisan is aware that due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, various nucleic acid sequences can be constructed that encode the CDR-grafted variable domains. All such nucleic acid sequence are contemplated by the present invention.

The nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted variable domains are linked to appropriate nucleic acids encoding the human antibody heavy or light chain constant region. Nucleic acid sequences encoding human heavy and light chain constant regions are known in the art. It is within the ken of the ordinarily skilled artisan to include sequences that facilitate transcription, translation and secretion, for example start codons, leader sequences, the Kozak consensus sequence (Kozak, 1987, J. Mol. Biol. 196:947) and the like, as well as restriction endonuclease sites to facilitate cloning into expression vectors.

The present invention thus further provides nucleic acids encoding the heavy and light chains of CDR-grafted antibodies capable of inhibiting human tissue factor wherein the CDRs are derived from a murine monoclonal antibody against tissue factor and the FR and C regions are derived from one or more human antibodies.

In accordance with the present invention, representative nucleic acids encoding CDR-grafted heavy and light chains were constructed. The CDR-grafted heavy chain comprises a variable region containing FR regions derived from human antibody KOL and CDRs derived from murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 and further comprises a constant region derived from the heavy chain of human IgG4. The CDR-grafted light chain comprises a variable region containing FR regions derived from human antibody REI and CDRs derived from murine monoclonal antibody TF8-5G9 and further comprises a constant region derived from human IgG4 kappa chain. Nucleic acids encoding the heavy and light chains were constructed by assembling the variable regions from synthetic nucleotides, amplifying the assembled variable regions by PCR, purifying the amplified nucleic acids, and ligating the nucleic acid encoding the variable region into a vector containing a nucleic acid encoding the appropriate human constant region.

The sequences of representative nucleic acids encoding CDR-grafted heavy and light chains are presented as nucleotides 1-2360 of SEQ ID NO:15 and nucleotides 1-759 of SEQ ID NO:20, respectively.

The nucleic acid sequence encoding a preferred heavy chain (nucleotides 1-2360 of SEQ ID NO:15) is designated the TF8HCDR20 gene. The nucleic acid sequence contains the following regions: 5′ EcoRI restriction site (nucleotides 1-6); Kozak sequence (nucleotides 7-15); start codon and leader sequence (nucleotides 16-72); CDR-grafted variable region (nucleotides 73-423); human IgG4 CH1 domain (nucleotides 424-717); human IgG4 intron 2 (nucleotides 718-1110); human IgG4 hinge (nucleotides 1111-1146); human IgG4 intron 3 (nucleotides 1147-1267); human IgG4 CH2 domain (nucleotides 1268-1594); human IgG4 intron 4 (nucleotides 1595-1691); human IgG4 CH3 domain (nucleotides 1692-2012); 3′ untranslated region. (nucleotides 2013-2354); 3′ BamHI end spliced to BclI site of expression vector (nucleotides 2355-2360).

The nucleic acid sequence encoding a preferred light chain gene (nucleotides 1-759 of SEQ ID NO:20) is designated the TF8LCDR3 gene. The nucleic acid sequence contains the following regions: 5′ EcoRI restriction site (nucleotides 1-5); Kozak sequence (nucleotides 6-8); start codon and leader sequence (nucleotides 9-68); CDR-grafted variable region (nucleotides 69-392); human kappa constant region (nucleotides 393-710); 3′ untranslated region (nucleotides 711-753); 3′ BamHI end spliced to BclI site of expression vector (nucleotides 754-759).

The foregoing preferred sequences can be modified by the ordinarily skilled artisan to take into account degeneracy of the genetic code, and to make additions, deletions, and conservative and nonconservative substitutions that result in a maintenance of the function of the nucleic acid, i.e. that it encodes a heavy or light chain of a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor. Restriction sites and sequences that facilitate transcription and translation may be altered or substituted as necessary depending upon the vector and host system chosen for expression.

Suitable expression vectors and hosts for production of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention are known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. The expression vectors contain regulatory sequences, such as replicons and promoters, capable of directing replication and expression of heterologous nucleic acids sequences in a particular host cell. The vectors may also contain selection genes, enhancers, signal sequences, ribosome binding sites, RNA splice sites, polyadenylation sites, transcriptional terminator sequences, and so on. The vectors may be constructed by conventional methods well-known in the art, or obtained from commercial sources. The expression vectors preferably have convenient restriction sites at which the nucleic acids encoding the antibody chains of the invention are inserted. Myeloma expression vectors in which antibody gene expression is driven by the human cytomegalovirus promoter-enhancer or are particularly preferred.

Expression vectors containing a nucleic acid encoding the CDR-grafted heavy chain under the control of a suitable promoter and expression vectors containing a nucleic acid encoding the CDR-grafted light chain under the control of a suitable promoter are cotransfected into a suitable host cell. In another embodiment, nucleic acids encoding both heavy and light chains are provided in a single vector for transfection of a suitable host cell.

Suitable host cells or cell lines for expression of the CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention include bacterial cells, yeast cells, insect cells, and mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, COS cells, fibroblast cells and myeloid cells. Mammalian cells are preferred. CHO, COS and myeloma cells are particularly preferred. Myeloma cells are preferred for establishing permanent CDR-grafted antibody producing cell lines. Expression of antibodies in myeloma cells, bacteria, and yeast is reviewed by Sandhu (1992) Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 12:437. Expression in mammalian cells is reviewed by Owen et al.

Transfection of host cells by the expression vectors containing nucleic acids encoding the CDR-grafted heavy and light chains can be accomplished by methods well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such methods include, for example, calcium chloride transfection, calcium phosphate transfection, lipofection and electroporation. Suitable culture methods and conditions for the production of the CDR-grafted antibodies are likewise well-known in the art. The CDR-grafted antibodies can be purified by conventional methods, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and the like. The ability of the CDR-grafted antibodies to bind to and inhibit human tissue factor can be assessed by the in vitro assays described above.

The CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention have a variety of utilities. For example, the antibodies are capable of binding to human tissue factor and thus are useful in assays for human tissue factor from body fluid samples, purification of human tissue factor, and so on.

The CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention are capable of inhibiting human tissue factor. Human tissue factor is well-known to be an essential element in the human coagulation cascade. The ability of the antibodies of the present invention to disrupt the coagulation cascade is demonstrated by in vitro assays in which the antibodies prevent factor X activation. Accordingly, the present antibodies are useful in the attenuation of coagulation. The present invention thus provides a method of attenuation of coagulation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor to a patient in need of such attenuation.

Numerous thrombotic disorders are characterized by excessive or inappropriate coagulation and are effectively treated or prevented by administration of agents that interfere with the coagulation cascade. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method of treatment or prevention of a thrombotic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor to a patient in need of such treatment or prevention. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombotic disorder is intravascular coagulation, arterial restenosis or arteriosclerosis. The antibodies of the invention may be used in combination with other antibodies or therapeutic agents.

A therapeutically effective amount of the antibodies of the present invention can be determined by the ordinarily skilled artisan with regard to the patient's condition, the condition being treated, the method of administration, and so on. A therapeutically effective amount is the dosage necessary to alleviate, eliminate, or prevent the thrombotic disorder as assessed by conventional parameters. For example, a therapeutically effective dose of a CDR-grafted antibody of the present invention may be from about 0.1 mg to about 20 mg per 70 kg of body weight. A preferred dosage is about 1.0 mg to about 5 mg per 70 kg of body weight.

A patient in need of such treatment is a patient suffering from a disorder characterized by inappropriate or excessive coagulation, or a patient at risk of such a disorder. For example, anticoagulant therapy is useful to prevent postoperative venous thrombosis, and arterial restenosis following balloon angioplasty.

The CDR-grafted antibodies of the present invention are useful in the same manner as comparable therapeutic agents, and the dosage level is of the same order of magnitude as is generally employed with those comparable therapeutic agents. The present antibodies may be administered in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier by methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a least one CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor and further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well-known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions.

The antibodies can be administered by well-known routes including oral and parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, intradermal, subcutaneous, and the like. Parenteral administration and particularly intravenous administration is preferred. Depending on the route of administration, the pharmaceutical composition may require protective coatings.

The pharmaceutical forms suitable for injectionable use include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. In all cases the ultimate solution form must be sterile and fluid. Typical carriers include a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water buffered aqueous solutions (i.e., biocompatible buffers), ethanol, polyol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, suitable mixtures thereof, surfactants or vegetable oils. The antibodies may be incorporated into liposomes for parenteral administration. Sterilization can be accomplished by an art-recognized techniques, including but not limited to, addition of antibacterial or antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid or thimersal. Further, isotonic agents such as sugars or sodium chloride may be incorporated in the subject compositions.

Production of sterile injectable solutions containing the subject antibodies is accomplished by incorporating these antibodies in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by sterilization, preferably filter sterilization. To obtain a sterile powder, the above solutions are vacuum-dried or freeze-dried as necessary.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention.

Example 1 Isolation and Sequencing of TF8-5G9 Light Chain (LC) and Heavy Chain (HC)

Two DNA libraries were generated from oligo (dT)-primed TF8-5G9 hybridoma RNA utilizing standard molecular biology procedures as described by Sambrook et al. The cDNA was cloned into the Librarian II plasmid vector from Invitrogen (San Diego, Calif.), and the libraries were screened for cDNA clones encoding murine IgG HC and LC. A full-length cDNA clone for the heavy chain could not be isolated, despite the construction of two independent libraries. A random primed TF8-5G9 cDNA library was generated to obtain the missing 5′ sequence of the heavy chain. Consequently, the heavy chain cDNA was in two pieces: a 5′ clone of 390 nucleotides and a 3′ clone of 1392 nucleotides. The two HC clones overlap by 292 nucleotides.

The HC and LC clones were completely sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method of Sanger et al. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74:5463. To verify the variable region sequence, sequence was obtained from PCR-amplified cDNA that had been synthesized from total TF8-5G9 hybridoma RNA. Total TF8-5G9 hybridoma RNA was isolated by the guanidinium thiocyanate method of Chrigwin et al. (1970) Biochemistry 18:5294. cDNA was synthesized using the Perkin Elmer (Norwalk, Conn.) GeneAmp RNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) kit with an oligo (dT) primer. Components of the same kit were used in the PCR to amplify the LC and HC variable regions using primers based on the sequence that had been obtained for the cDNA clones. The amplified variable region fragments were gel-purified and sequenced according to the method of Tracy et al. (1991) BioTechniques 11:68 on a Model 373A Applied Biosystems, Inc. (Foster City, Calif.) automated fluorescent DNA sequencer. The sequence for TF8-5G9 LC and HC obtained from RNA amplification and the sequence obtained from the cDNA clones agreed. The TF8-5G9 HC variable region sequence with protein translation is shown in FIG. 1 and SEQ ID NO:1, and that for the LC is shown in FIG. 2 and SEQ ID NO:3.

Example 2 Chimeric LC and HC Expression Vector Construction

In order to test the binding activity of the CDR-grafted anti-TF LC and HC individually, mouse-human chimeric TF8-5G9 LC and HC were constructed. This allowed the CDR-grafted LC to be tested for TF binding ability in combination with the chimeric HC, and the CDR-grafted HC to be tested in combination with the chimeric LC.

Primers were designed to amplify the TF8-5G9 LC variable region using as template cDNA clones in the Librarian II vector. The 5′ primer was designed with an EcoRI site while the 3′ primer was designed with a NarI site. PCR was used to amplify the LC variable region, generating a 433 by fragment with a 5′EcoRI end and 3′NarI end. The fragment included the signal sequence from the TF8-5G9 LC cDNA clone but incorporated a 2 base change in the arginine codon immediately following the ATG start codon. This change retained the arginine residue but made the sequence conform to the Kozak consensus sequence in order to potentially improve translation of the LC mRNA. The PCR amplified LC variable region fragment was digested with EcoRI and NarI restriction enzymes and purified by electrophoresis on a 2% Nusieve, 1% Seakem agarose gel (FMC Bio Products, Rockland, Me.).

The DNA was extracted from the gel slice and purified by the Geneclean (Bio 101, La Jolla, Calif.) procedure. The full-length chimeric TF8-5G9 LC gene was generated by cloning this DNA into the EcoRI and NarI sites of a pSP73 vector (Promega, Madison, Wis.) which contains the human kappa constant region. The gene was isolated from the pSP73 vector by EcoRI digestion and subcloned into the EcoRI site of the pSG5 mammalian cell expression vector (Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, Calif.).

The chimeric TF8-5G9 HC gene was assembled in a manner similar to that of the chimeric LC. Since there was no full-length HC cDNA isolated from the Librarian II vector cDNA libraries, the HC variable region fragment that was generated by the PCR from total TF8-5G9 hybridoma cell RNA was used as the template. Primers which incorporated an EcoRI site at the 5′ end and a SacI site at the 3′ end were used in the PCR to generate a 430 by fragment which contained the TF8-5G9 HC Kozak sequence, start codon, signal sequence, and variable region. This fragment was digested with the restriction enzymes EcoRI and SacI, and gel-purified using the same procedure that was used with the chimeric LC construction.

The full-length TF8-5G9 chimeric HC gene was constructed by cloning the variable region fragment into the EcoRI and SacI sites of the pSG5 expression vector containing the human IgG4 constant region.

Example 3 Design and Construction of the CDR-Grafted Heavy and Light Chain Genes

The variable region domains of the CDR-grafted HC and LC genes were designed with an EcoRI overhang at the 5′ end followed by a Kozak sequence to improve antibody expression. The leader sequences were derived from the heavy and light chains of the murine monoclonal antibody B72.3 (Whittle et al. (1987) Protein Engineering 1:499). The 3′ end of the variable regions were designed to have overhangs which allowed for splicing to the appropriate human constant region DNA.

In the initially designed CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 heavy and light chains the CDRs were derived from murine TF8-5G9 sequence while the frameworks were derived primarily from human antibody sequence. The human antibody KOL (Schmidt et al.) was used for the heavy chain frameworks, while the human antibody dimer (Epp et al.) was used for the light chain frameworks.

Several criteria were used to select murine framework residues in the design of the TF8-5G9 CDR-grafted heavy and light chain variable regions. Framework residues which, at a particular position, are idiosyncratic to TF8-5G9 were retained as murine sequence with the assumption that they contributed to its unique binding characteristics. TF8-5G9 murine residues were also retained at framework positions where they were in agreement with the human consensus sequence but where the corresponding residues in KOL or REI were idiosyncratic. Residues that are part of antibody loop canonical structures such as residue 71 (numbering according to Kabat et al.) of the heavy and light chains were also retained as murine sequence. Framework residues that form loops such as residues 26-30 of the HC were kept as TF8-5G9 murine sequence at positions were the murine sequence differed from the human. Residues known to directly influence the conformation of CDRs, such as 48 and 49 immediately preceding CDR2 of the HC, were also retained as murine sequence.

The amino acid sequence of the variable region for the initially designed CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 HC, TF8HCDR1, is shown in SEQ ID NO:11. Murine residues were retained at framework positions 6, 17, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 48, 49, 68, 71, 73, 78 88 and 91. The CDR-grafted HC variable region was attached to a human IgG4 constant region.

The amino acid sequence of the variable region for the initially designed CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 LC, TF8LCDR1, is shown in SEQ ID NO:12. Murine residues were retained at framework positions 39, 41, 46 and 105. The CDR-grafted LC variable region was attached to a human kappa constant region.

The variable region for the CDR-grafted HC and LC described above were each assembled from 13 synthetic oligonucleotides which were synthesized by Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. These oligonucleotides ranged in length from 42 to 80 bases, and encoded both variable region strands. When the 6 complementary oligonucleotide pairs were annealed, the overhangs generated were 17 to 24 bases in length. These oligonucleotide pairs were combined, annealed at their complementary overhangs, and ligated to give the final full length double-stranded variable regions.

The HC variable region oligonucleotides were assembled into a 452 by fragment which contains a 5′ EcoRI site and a 3′ SacI site. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify this fragment. The resulting amplified DNA was purified on a 2% Nusieve, 1% Seakem agarose gel (FMC). The appropriate size band of DNA was excised and the DNA was recovered by the Geneclean (Bio 101) procedure. The fragment was then digested with EcoRI and SacI, and purified again by the Geneclean method. This HC variable region fragment with EcoRI and SacI ends was cloned into the EcoRI and SacI sites of the pSport-1 vector (GIBCO-BRL Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). DNA from several clones was isolated and sequenced to verify proper variable region assembly. All clones had unexpected base changes. One clone with the fewest base changes (two mismatches at bases 133 and 140) was selected to be corrected by site-directed mutagenesis according to Kunkel (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:488. Briefly, CJ236 (ung-, dut-) competent cells (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.) were transformed with the pSport vector containing the CDR-grafted HC variable region with the two base mismatch. Single-stranded, uridine-incorporated DNA templates were purified from phage following M13 helper phage (Stratagene Cloning Systems) infection of the transformed cells. Mutagenesis oligos containing the desired base changes were synthesized on an Applied Biosystems Model 380B DNA synthesizer. The mutagenesis oligos were annealed to the template DNA, and T7 DNA Polymerase and T4 DNA Ligase (MutaGene InVitro Mutagenesis Kit, Bo-Rad Laboratories, Richmond, Calif.) were used to incorporate the oligo into a newly synthesized DNA strand. DH5α competent cells (GIBCO-BRL Life Technologies) were transformed with the double-stranded DNA. The original uridine-incorporated strand is destroyed while the newly synthesized strand containing the mutagenesis oligo is replicated. Phagemid DNA was prepared from the resulting mutagenesis clones and the variable regions were sequence to identify the clones which had incorporated the desired changes. The corrected HC EcoRI/SacI variable region fragment was excised from the pSport vector, purified and ligated into the EcoRI/SacI sites of a pSG5 vector containing the human IgG4 constant region. This resulted in the generation of a full-length humanized TF8-5G9 HC gene, TF8HCDR1, in the pSG5 COS cell expression vector. The vector was designated pSG5TF8HCDR1.

The CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 LC variable region was also amplified by the PCR from the assembled synthetic oligonucleotides into a 433 by fragment which contained a 5′ EcoRI site and a 3′ NarI site. This fragment was purified as described above for the HC, digested with EcoRI and NarI and purified by the Geneclean procedure. This fragment was cloned into the EcoRI and NarI sites of a pSG5 vector which contains the human kappa constant region. This resulted in the generation of a full-length humanized TF8-5G9 LC gene, TF8LCDR1, in the pSG5 COS cell expression vector. Seven clones were sequenced, and one was found to have the desired CDR-grafted LC sequence. The vector was designated pSQ5TF8LCDR1.

Example 4 Expression of the CDR-Grafted Heavy and Light Chain Genes in COS Cells

The transient expression of antibody genes in COS-1 cells provides a rapid and convenient system to test antibody gene expression and function. COS-1 cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (CRL 1650) and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, from GIBCO BRL Life Technologies) with 10% fetal calf serum. The pSG5TF8HCDR1 expression factor, was cotransfected into COS cells with the pSG5 chimeric LC expression vector using the DEAE-Dextran method followed by DMSO shock as described by Lopata et al. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 14:5707. After 4 days of culture, media was harvested from the wells and examined for antibody expression levels.

Antibody levels were determined by an ELISA-based assembly assay. Plates were coated with a goat anti-human Fc specific antibody. Various dilutions of the COS cell supernatant containing secreted antibody were added, incubated for one hour, and washed. A horseradish peroxidase-linked goat anti-human kappa chain antibody was added, incubated for one hour at room temperature, and washed. Substrate for the horseradish peroxidase was added for detection. Antibody levels in the COS cell media were found to be nearly undetectable for the TF8HCDR1×chimeric LC. Upon closer examination of the TF8HCDR1 variable region sequence, it was found that an unexpected base change, which had occurred during the site-directed mutagenesis process described in Example 3, introduced a stop codon into framework 4 of the TF8HCDR1 gene. This substitution was corrected by site-directed mutagenesis as described above. Thorough sequencing of the variable region confirmed that the correction was made with no additional changes introduced. Upon transfection of this corrected TF8HCDR1 gene with the chimeric LC, reasonable expression levels were obtained.

COS cells which had been co-transfected with the CDR-grafted LC expression vector, pSGTF8LCDR1, and either the chimeric HC or TF8HCDR1, produced antibody at reasonable levels. Antibody levels in COS cell supernatants ranged from 0.5 mg to 10.0 μg per ml.

Example 5 Binding of the CDR-Grafted TF8-5G9 to Tissue Factor

An ELISA was used to determine the ability of the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody, TF8HCDR1×TF8LCDR1, to bind to tissue factor. Tissue factor was immobilized on a microtiter plate. The test COS cell supernatant, containing the CDR-grafted antibody, was added to the well, incubated for one hour at room temperature. Following three washes with PBS/Tween, a goat anti-human kappa chain polyclonal antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase was added, incubated for one hour at room temperature and washed. Substrate for the horseradish peroxidase was added for detection. The positive control was the TF8-5G9 chimeric antibody. The CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody was able to bind to tissue factor to a degree comparable to the chimeric TF8-5G9 antibody (FIG. 3, solid symbols).

The ability of the humanized antibody to compete with murine TF8-5G9 for binding to tissue factor was also examined. Varying amounts of COS cell supernatant containing the test CDR-grafted antibody and a fixed amount of murine TF8-5G9 were added simultaneously to wells coated with tissue factor. Binding was allowed to occur for one hour at room temperature. The wells were washed three times with PBS/Tween. A goat anti-human kappa chain antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase was added, incubated for one hour at room temperature and washed. Substrate for the horseradish peroxidase was added for detection. The positive antibody competed as well as the chimeric antibody with murine TF8-5G9 for binding to TF.

These data indicate that the initially designed CDR-grafted antibody, TF8HCDR1×TF8LCDR1, was approximately as active as the chimeric TF8-5G9 in binding to TF and competing with the murine antibody for binding to TF.

Example 6 Construction and Characterization of Additional CDR-Grafted Heavy Chains

Upon examination of the molecular structure of murine TF8-5G9, framework residues at positions 27, 68, 73 and 78 were found to lie on the antibody surface and had no discernible contact with the CDRs. These framework residues were of murine sequence in TF8HCDR1 but were changed to the human KOL sequence in various combinations to generate a series of CDR-grafted heavy chains with framework residue variations. The changes were made by the process of site-directed mutagenesis as described in Example 3. Each CDR-grafted heavy chain version was expressed in COS cells in combination with the CDR-grafted LC, TF8LCDR1, and tested for its ability to bind TF and compete with murine TF8-5G9 for binding. Every version of the CDR-grafted heavy chain in combination with TF8LCDR1 was shown to bind TF with an affinity comparable to chimeric TF8-5G9. Every CDR-grafted HC in combination with TF8LCDR1 was able to compete with murine TF8-5G9 for binding to TF to a degree comparable to the chimeric antibody.

Changes in sequence from murine to human for HC framework positions 6, 7, 68, 73 and 78 did not adversely affect the antigen binding ability of the antibody. The CDR-grafted HC version which had human sequence at all of these positions, and thus was the most humanized HC, was TF8HCDR20.

The complete sequence of the TF8HCDR20 gene was determined. The DNA sequence is shown as a 2360 by EcoRI/BamHI insert with protein translation in the pEe6TF8HCDR20 expression vector in FIG. 4 and SEQ ID NO:15.

The essential regions of the gene are as follows:

Nucleotide # Region 1-6 5′ EcoRI restriction site  7-15 Kozak sequence 16-72 Start codon and leader sequence  73-423 CDR-grafted variable region 424-717 Human IgG4 CH1 domain  718-1110 Human IgG4 intron 2 1111-1146 Human IgG4 hinge 1147-1267 Human IgG4 intron 3 1268-1594 Human IgG4 CH2 domain 1595-1691 Human IgG4 intron 4 1692-2012 Human IgG4 CH3 domain 2013-2354 3′ untranslated region 2355-2360 3′ BamHI end spliced to BclI site of the expression vector

Example 7 Construction and Characterization of Additional CDR-Grafted Light Chains

The initially designed CDR-grafted LC, TF8LCDR1, contained four framework residues from the murine TF8-5G9 sequence. At two of these positions, 39 and 105, the human REI framework sequence is unique to REI; however, the murine TF8-5G9 LC sequence is in agreement with the human consensus sequence. The other two murine framework residues, trp41 and thr46, are unique to TF8-5G9. Several versions of the CDR-grafted LC were generated in which the sequence at these four positions were changed from the murine to the human REI in various combinations. These changes were made by site-directed mutagenesis. Each version of the CDR-grafted LC was expressed in COS cells in combination with the CDR-grafted HC, TF8HCDR20, and tested for ability to bind tissue factor and compete with murine TF8-5G9 for binding. Every version of the CDR-grafted LC, in combination with TF8HCDR20, was shown to bind TF with an affinity comparable to TF8-5G9. Also every CDR-grafted LC version, in combination with TF8HCDR20, was able to compete with murine TF8-5G9 for binding to TF in a manner comparable to the chimeric TF8-5G9 control.

Changes in sequence from murine to human for LC framework positions 39, 41, 46 and 105 did note adversely effect the ability of the antibody to recognize antigen. The CDR-grafted LC of choice was TF8LCDR3, where murine TF8-5G9 sequence was used at positions 39 and 105 because these are in agreement with the human consensus sequence. The preferred CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody is TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3.

The complete sequence of the TF8LCDR3 gene was determined and is shown as a 759 by EcoRI-BamHI insert with protein translation in the pEe12TF8LCDR3 expression vector in FIG. 5 and SEQ ID NO:17. The essential regions of the gene are as follows:

Nucleotide # Region 1-5 5′ EcoRI restriction site 6-8 Kozak sequence  9-68 Start codon and leader sequence  69-392 CDR-grafted variable region 393-710 Human kappa constant region 711-753 3′ untranslated region 754-759 3′ BamHI end spliced to BclI site of the expression vector

Example 8 CDR-Grafted TF8-5G9 Antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 Inhibits Human Tissue Factor

The binding of the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody, TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3, to TF was assessed as described in Example 5 and was found to be comparable to that of the chimeric TF8-5G9 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The ability of the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 to compete with the murine antibody for binding to TF is comparable to that of the chimeric TF8-5G9 as shown in FIG. 7.

An in vitro assay was used to measure the level of inhibition of factor X activation by the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody. In this assay, TF forms an active proteolytic complex with factor VII. This complex then converts factor X to factor Xa by proteolysis. The activated Xa enzymatically cleaves a substrate, Spectrozyme FXa, which releases a chromogen. The level of chromogen, as detected by optical density, is an indication of factor X activation due to TF-factor VIIa activity.

The following reaction mixtures were prepared in 12×75 mm borosilicate glass tubes.

-   -   25 μl TBS (50 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl)     -   15 μl 20 mM CaCl₂/1% bovine serum albumin (BSA)     -   20 μl human placental tissue factor solution (prepared by         reconstituting one vial of Thromborel S, Curtin Matheson         Scientific #269-338 with 4.0 ml dH₂O and diluting 1:10 in TBS)     -   30 μl Factor VII (Enzyme Research Labs #HFVII 1007 at 237.66         ng/ml in TBS)     -   30 μl TBS or TF8-5G9 or TF8MCDR20×TF8LCDR3 at 1.18 μg/ml or as         indicated in FIG. 8

The reaction mixtures were incubated at 37° C. for ten minutes before the addition of Factor X. (In some cases the reaction mixture was preincubated for five minutes before addition of Factor VII or antibody, followed by a ten minute incubation before addition of Factor X.) Thirty μl of Factor X solution (Enzyme Research Labs, DHFX 330, 247.38 μg/ml TBS) was added and the mixture was incubated at 37° C. for three minutes. Factor X activation was terminated by pipetting 40 μg of reaction mixture into 160 μl of stop buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 100 mM EDTA, 150 mM NaCl) in 96 well microtiter plates. Each tube of reaction mixture was pipetted into three microtiter wells. Fifty μl of Spectrozyme FXa substrate (American Diagnostica #222, 1 μM/ml TBS) was added to each well. OD₄₀₅ was read on a Molecular Devices kinetic plate reader with readings taken every twenty seconds for ten minutes. Factor X activity was recorded as mOD/minute, and enzyme velocities over the linear portion of the reaction curve were compared to determine inhibition of factor X activation by the anti-TF antibodies.

As shown in FIG. 8, the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 antibody is approximately as effective as the murine TF8-5G9 in inhibiting factor X activation. This indicates that the CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 is functionally active.

Example 9 Construction of the CDR-Grafted Heavy and Light Chain Myeloma Expression Vectors

For the purpose of establishing a permanent CDR-grafted antibody-producing cell line, the TF8HCDR20 and TF8LCDR3 genes were subcloned into myeloma cell expression vectors. The heavy chain TF8HCDR20 was subcloned into the EcoRI and BclI sites of the pEe6hCMV-BglII myeloma expression vector described by Stephens et al. (1989) Nucleic Acids Res. 17:7110 to produce pEe6TF8MCDR20. The light chain TF8LCDR3 was subcloned into the EcoTI and BclI sites of the pEe12 myeloma expression vector to produce pEe12TF8LCDR3. The heavy and light chain expression vectors are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. In both vectors antibody gene transcription was driven by the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) promoter-enhancer, which lies directly 5′ to the multiple cloning site. The polyadenylation signal sequence lies 3′ to the multiple cloning site and signals the termination of transcription. Each vector contains the β-lactamase gene to allow for ampicillin selection in E. coli. The pEe12 vector contains a glutamine synthetase cDNA gene under the transcriptional control of the SV40 early promoter. Glutamine synthetase allows for myeloma cell transfectants to be selected in glutamine-free media. Myeloma cells are devoid of glutamine synthetase activity and are dependent on a supply of glutamine in the culture media. Cells which have been transfected with the pEe12 vector, containing the glutamine synthetase gene, are able to synthesize glutamine from glutamate and can survive in the absence of glutamine.

The pEe6TF8HCDR20 expression vector is a 7073 by plasmid whose DNA sequence is shown in FIG. 4 and SEQ ID NO:15. The coding regions of the TF8HCDR20 gene are translated. The essential regions of this vector are described below:

-   -   1. Nucleotides #1-2360: The TF8HCDR20 CDR-grafted HC gene is         described in Example 6. The HC gene was inserted as an         EcoRI/BamHI fragment into the EcoRI/BclI sites of the         pEe6hCMV-BglII vector.     -   2. Nucleotides #2361-2593: This region encodes the SV40 early         gene polyadenylation signal (SV40 nucleotides 2770-2537), which         acts as a transcriptional terminator. This fragment is flanked         by a 5′ BclI site and a 3′ BamHI site. The 3′ BamHI end of the         heavy chain gene was spliced to the 5′ BclI site of the         polyadenylation signal, thus eliminating both sites.     -   3. Nucleotides #2594-3848: This region is a BamHI-BclI fragment         from pBR328 (nucleotides 375-2422) but with a deletion between         the SaI and AvaI sites (pBR328 nucleotides 651-1425) following         the addition of a SalI linker to the AvaI site. This region         contains the Col El bacterial origin of replication.     -   4. Nucleotides #3849-4327: This is a BglI-XmnI fragment site         from the β-lactamase gene of pSP64 (Promega Corporation,         Madison, Wis.). This gene provides ampicillin resistance to         bacteria transformed with this vector.     -   5. Nucleotides #4328-4885: This is an XmnI-HindIII fragment of         the ColE1 based plasmid pCT54 described by Emtage et al. (1983)         Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:3671. The HindIII site was         converted to a BglII site by the addition of a linker following         the addition of the hCMV promoter described below.     -   6. Nucleotides #4886-7022: These nucleotides encode the Pst-1m         fragment of human cytomeglovirus (hCMV) strain AD 169 described         by Greenway et al. (1982) Gene 18:355 containing the region         coding for the hCMV middle intermediate early promoter. This         Pst-1m fragment was cloned into the HindIII site of pEe6hCMV by         addition of oligonucleotides of the following sequence to either         end of the fragment:

5′ GTCACCGTCCTTGACACGA 3′ 3′ ACGTCAGTGGCAGGAACTGTGCTTCGA 5′

-   -   -   The resulting 2100 bp fragment was inserted such that the             promoter directed transcription towards the EcoRI site of             pEe6hCMV. The oligonucleotide above served to recreate the             complete 5′ untranslated sequence of the hCMV-MIE gene the             added irrelevant sequence at the very 5′ end of the             fragment. The HindIII site at the 5′ end was subsequently             converted to a BglII site by the addition of a further             linker.

    -   7. Nucleotides #7023-7073: The pSP64 polylinker with the BamHI         and SalI sites removed.

The pEe12TF8LCDR3 expression vector is a 7864 by plasmid whose DNA sequence is shown in FIG. 5 and SEQ ID NO:17. The coding regions of the TF8LCDR3 gene are translated. The essential regions of this expression vector are described below:

-   -   1. Nucleotides #1-759: The TF8LCDR3 CDR-grafted LC gene is         described in Example 7. The gene was inserted as an EcoRI/BamHI         fragment into the EcoRI/BclII sites of the pEe12 expression         vector.     -   2. Nucleotides #760-3284: These regions of pEe12 are identical         to the regions encoded by nucleotides 2361-4885 of the         pEe6TF8HCDR20 vector described above (regions #2-5).     -   3. Nucleotides #3285-5736: This region encodes the Chinese         hamster ovary glutamine synthetase cDNA under the         transcriptional control of the SV40 early promoter and followed         by the SV40 polyadenylation and splice signals from the         pSV2.dhfr vector described by Subramani et al. (1981) Mol. Cell.         Biol. 1:854. The following describes the derivation of this         region: A 1200 by NaeI-PvuII fragment, containing a complete GS         coding sequence, was excised from the Chinese hamster ovary cDNA         clone λGS1.1 described by Hayward et al. (1986) Nucleic Acid         Res. 14:999. After addition of a HindIII linker to the NaeI site         and a BglII linker to the PvuII site (hence destroying the NaeI         and PvuII sites), the 1200 by fragment was cloned in place of         DHFR sequences in pSV2.dhfr between the HindIII and BglII sites         to form pSV2.GS. The single remaining PvuII site in pSV2BamGS         was converted to a BamHI site by addition of an oligonucleotide         linker to form pSV2BamGS. An EcoRI site in the GS cDNA was         destroyed by site directed mutagenesis without altering the         amino acid sequence in pSV2BamGS and the HindIII site was         destroyed by filling in with DNa polymerase I. The 2451 by BamHI         fragment from this plasmid, containing the complete SV40-GS         hybrid transcription unit, was excised and inserted at the BglII         site of pEe6hCMV-BglII site of pEe6hCMV-BglII such that         transcription from the sV40 early promoter proceeds towards the         hCMV promoter.     -   4. Nucleotides #5737-7864: This region is identical to the hCMV         promoter and pSP64 polylinker encoded by nucleotides 4886-7073         of the pEe6TF8HCDR20 vector described above (regions 6 and 7).

For the purpose of ensuring that both the pEe6TF8HCDR20 and peE12TF8LCDR3 vectors co-transfected myeloma cells, the vectors were joined in linear concatamers. Both the pEe6TF8HCDR20 and pEe12TF8LCDR3 vectors were digested at the unique SalI site. The SalI linearized pEe6TF8HCDR20 vector was phosphatased at its 5′ ends to prohibit ligation of two pEe6TF8HCDR20 vectors onto each other. This phosphatased HC vector was ligated in a 2:1 molar ratio to the Sal linearized pEe12TF8LCDR3. The resulting concatamers were most likely of the following composition:

This concatamerized DNA was extracted with phenol and chloroform, and precipitated with ammonium acetate and ethanol. The DNA precipitate was resuspended in distilled water to a concentration of 1 μg/μL and used to transfect myeloma cells.

Example 10 Development of NSO Expression Cell Lines

Stably transformed cell lines expressing the humanized TF8-5G9 antibody were prepared by transfecting CDR-grafted heavy and light chain expression vectors into NSO mouse myeloma cells. Selection of transfected cells was carried out using the dominant selectable marker gene, glutamine synthetase (GS).

The NSO mouse myeloma cell line, obtained from Celltech, Ltd., is a subclone derived from NS-1 and does not express intracellular light chains. These cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with added glutamine and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). To prepare for transfection, the cells were harvested in mid-log phase of the growth cycle, centrifuged for 5 minutes, washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), centrifuged again, and the cell pellet was resuspended in 2.2 mL of PBS. The final cell concentration was 2.18×10⁷ mL. Cells were maintained on ice during the entire procedure.

The DNA to be transfected (pEe12TF8LCDR3×pEe6TF8HCDR20) was prepared as a concatamer as described in Example 9. The DNA and NSO cells were added to a 0.4 cm BioRad Gene Pulser cuvette in the following order:

40 μL (40 μg) DNA concatamer

320 μL double distilled water

40 μL 10×PBS

400 μL NSO cells (8.72×10⁶ cells)

Transfection was performed by electroporation following a protocol provided by Celltech, Ltd. In this procedure, the cells and DNA in PBS buffer were exposed to a brief, high voltage pulse of electricity causing transient micropores to form on the cell membrane. DNA transfer takes place through these openings. To prepare for electroporation, the suspension of NSO cells and DNA was gently mixed and incubated on ice for 5 minutes. The cuvette was placed in a BioRad Gene Pulser and given 2 consecutive electrical pulses at settings of 3 μF (capacitance) and 1.5V (voltage). Following electroporation, the cuvette was returned to the ice for 5 minutes. The suspension was then diluted in prewarmed growth medium and distributed into seven 96-well plates. Control plates containing cells electroporated without DNA were also prepared at the same time to measure the presence of spontaneous mutants. Plates were placed in a 37° C. incubator with 5% CO₂.

Glutamine synthetase, encoded by the GS gene, is an enzyme that converts glutamate to glutamine. NSO cells require glutamine for growth due to inadequate levels of endogenous GS gene expression. In the DNA concatamer, this gene is located on the pEe12TF8LCDR3 vector. Transfected cells which incorporate the GS gene become glutamine-independent. Cells not integrating the GS gene into their genome would remain glutamine-dependent and would not survive in glutamine-free medium. Approximately 18 hours post electroporation, all plates were fed with glutamine-free selection medium and returned to the incubator until viable colonies appeared.

Approximately 3 weeks after transfection, distinct macroscopic colonies were observed. These were screened for expression of the intact humanized antibody using the assembly ELISA as described in Example 5. Tissue culture supernatants from wells containing colonies were screened at a 1:10 dilution. Positive wells showing activity greater than the 25 ng/mL standard were subcultured and expanded for further analysis.

For selection of high producers, antibody production was quantitated after a 96 hour growth period. Tissue culture flasks were seeded with 2×10⁵ cells/mL in 10 mL of selection medium and incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 96 hours. At the end of that time period, an aliquot was taken to determine cell concentration and antibody titer. Evaluation of antibody production was calculated as μg/mL and pg/cell/96 hours. The highest producers from this transfection were:

Cell Line μg/mL pg/cell/96 hour 2B1 26.3 24.3 3E11 27.6 59.9 4G6 30.2 41.9

Example 11 CDR Grafted Antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 Inhibits Tissue Factor In Vivo

CDR grafted antibody TF8HCDR20×TF8LCDR3 was compared to murine antibody TF8-5G9 for its ability to protect rats from experimentally induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In the DIC model, rats are challenged with human thromboplastin (a crude tissue extract containing TF activity), resulting in fibrinogen consumption and death. Pretreatment of rats with anti-TF antibody was demonstrated to protect rats from fibrinogen consumption and death as follows.

Human thromboplastin was prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,427. Saline control or 30 μ/ml of TF8-5G9 or CDR-grafted antibody was injected through the tail vein of rats, followed by injection of thromboplastin equivalent to 200 ng of recombinant TF. Clotting times were determined at T=0 and T=1 minute as a measure of fibrinogen concentration. Clotting times are proportional to fibrinogen concentration, with a 60 second clotting time corresponding to an 80% reduction in fibrinogen concentration. Clotting times of greater than 60 seconds cannot be accurately measured and were recorded as 60 seconds.

Survivability and clotting times for three representative studies are shown below.

Survivors CDR-grafted Study Controls TF8-5G9 Ab 1 0/8 5/8 6/8 2 0/8 4/7 7/8 3 0/8 8/8 3/7

Clotting Times Controls Study #1 Study #2 Study #3 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 16 >60 18 >60 19 >60 16 >60 18 >60 21 >60 16 >60 18 >60 18 >60 17 >60 18 >60 19 >60 15 >60 16 >60 18 54 16 >60 18 >60 18 >60 16 >60 17 >60 18 >60 16 >60 17 >60 18 >60

Clotting Times Murine TF8-5G9 Study #1 Study #2 Study #3 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 16 36 18 34 19 28 15 41 18 36 18 29 15 33 18 >60 19 29 15 31 17 >60 18 29 15 >60 18 50 18 28 16 >60 17 34 19 40 16 33 17 34 19 40 16 33 18 31 19 34 16 >60 19 >60

Clotting Times CDR-grafted TF8-5G9 Study #1 Study #2 Study #3 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 T = 0 T = 1 16 >60 17 >60 21 >60 16 >60 17 33 18 34 16 >60 18 32 17 >60 22 37 18 >60 20 35 16 32 17 32 17 58 15 >60 18 31 18 33 16 >60 17 31 18 31 16 >60 16 32

Twenty-three of the twenty-four control rats had clotting times of greater than 60 seconds indicating that virtually all untreated rats were consuming more than 80% of their fibrinogen. Both the CDR-grafted and murine antibody treated rats had similar clotting times at one minute of 44.5 and 40 seconds. Further, only six of the murine antibody treated rats and nine of the CDR-grafted antibody treated rats had clotting times in excess of 60 seconds. Accordingly, both the murine and CDR-grafted antibodies were able to neutralize TF and thus protect rats from fibrinogen consumption and death. 

1. A CDR-grafted antibody capable of inhibiting human tissue factor wherein the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) are derived from a non-human monoclonal antibody against tissue factor and the framework (FR) and constant (C) regions are derived from one or more human antibodies.
 2. The CDR-grafted antibody of claim 1 wherein said non-human monoclonal antibody is a murine antibody.
 3. The CDR-grafted antibody of claim 2 wherein said murine antibody is TF8-5G9.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The CDR-grafted antibody of claim 1 wherein the FR of the heavy chain is derived from the human antibody KOL.
 6. The CDR-grafted antibody of claim 1 wherein the FR of the light chain is derived from the human antibody REI. 7.-37. (canceled) 